Which would you choose- Maxlife or Mercon LV?

[panthermike]

I'm going to change the ATF on our Fusion soon, it's at 22K now.

I don't know enough about LV to know if it's a good ATF or not, which is why I'm asking. Maxlife is $3.67/qt and Mercon LV is $4.11/qt. Maxlife does say suitable for use where LV is used.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

 

[sciphi]

I'd use the LV if you're at all concerned about warranty. Otherwise the Maxlife works very well in both of the cars in my signature.

 

[TXMXTruck]

I was curious about the factory fill as well as what fluid change interval Ford recommends for your vehicle. A quick Google search did not help, but I did find some info you should review in this forum thread.

http://forums.automobilemag.com/70/7761889/ford/2010-ford-fusion-transmission/page4.html

 

[rshaw125]

Mercon V?

 

[Stu_Rock]

The ATF indices keep growing--now we're up to 55!

(kidding)

I vote LV for warranty compliance.

 

[RF Overlord]

I've wanted to ask this for a while:

Has anyone had a transmission/transaxle failure on a relatively new car where the dealer did an analysis on the ATF to see if it was the cause?

When I work on someone else's car, I always use factory-spec'd parts/fluids just to avoid any potential warranty issues, although I'd be highly surprised if using Mercon LV instead of MaxLife would prevent a problem.

 

[unDummy]

I'd use Maxlife since I can get it at various stores. LV is only dealer available. I prefer choice while I can still make a choice.

Other options:
http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atl.aspx
http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=115&pcid=9
http://www.amalie.com/downloads/hi-res/atf/universalsyn.pdf

I've never seen a fluid caused failure when a non-OE equivalent was used.

 

[panthermike]

Thanks for the tips, sounds like either way, they're both good choices.

 

[DSteven]

I have an 08 Milan V6 with a A/W 6spd auto. It spec'd Ford Premium ATF, which is a Toyota T-IV atf. At first I used the Ford ATF (which at $6.85/qt is overpriced). From the good advice on this forum, I switched to MaxLife ATF ($3.67/qt). The trans shifts smoother and not as harsh on downshifts. The OEM fluid became dark very fast. The maxlife seems to hold red color longer. So far, I have been impressed. Also, the maxlife ATF is synthetic! Good luck with your Fusion!